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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Agaju Madugba, Katsina
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to launch an intensive manhunt for the gunmen who killed a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State, directing that the perpetrators be apprehended and brought to justice.
The President, who condemned the double murder as heinous and an assault on the sanctity of human life, directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to intensify investigations and build on efforts already initiated by the Katsina State Police Command to track down those responsible.
The directive followed Monday evening’s attack in which two motorcycle-riding gunmen reportedly opened fire on the Islamic preacher and his friend outside the cleric’s residence at about 7:30pm before fleeing the scene.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sadness over the killings and charged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, their friends and followers, as well as the government and people of Katsina State, praying for the repose of their souls and for strength and comfort for those mourning them.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command confirmed that Masussuka and Abubakar were shot by two armed men riding on a motorcycle outside the scholar’s residence in Dutsinma.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the incident occurred at about 7:30pm on Monday, October 26, when the assailants opened fire on the victims and escaped.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsinma immediately mobilised operatives to the scene following a report of the attack.
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The victims, who sustained gunshot injuries, were evacuated to a nearby hospital, where a medical doctor pronounced them dead.
Aliyu disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, had ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area to apprehend the fleeing gunmen and unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings.
“An investigation has commenced, and efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects,” he said.
The police spokesman said Fage had directed investigators to pursue available leads and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police extends his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and followers of the deceased, as well as the good people of Dutsinma Local Government Area over this tragic loss.
“He assures the public that the Command will not relent until the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice,” the statement added.
The police have yet to establish the motive for the killings or determine whether the gunmen specifically targeted the Islamic scholar.
Investigations were continuing as security operatives intensified efforts to identify and arrest the assailants.
